Moving Mountains With God: Faith Like A Mustard Seed
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Faith That Moves Mountains
The Consequence of Unbelief
In Matthew 17:19–20, the disciples approach Jesus with a question born of frustration: “Why could not we cast him out?” They had tried to heal a boy possessed by a demon but failed, their confidence shaken. Jesus’ response is both a diagnosis and a remedy: “Because of your unbelief.” Their lack of faith had hindered them.
Jesus doesn’t leave them discouraged. Instead, He offers a vivid promise to get them back on track: “for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Faith Like A Mustard Seed?
The mustard seed Jesus mentions, likely the black mustard seed common in the region, was tiny, less than a millimeter across, a literal speck to the eye. Yet, this humble seed held remarkable potential. In the right soil, it could grow into a bush 6 to 10 feet tall, sprawling and sturdy, a striking contrast to its small beginnings.
Jesus’ listeners, familiar with this plant, would grasp the point: size isn’t what matters. Faith, even as small as that seed, carries power when rooted in trust in God. It’s not about mustering heroic belief but planting a simple, sincere reliance on His strength.
Faith Over Unbelief
The disciples’ failure wasn’t final. It was a redirection from self-reliance to dependence on Him. We, too, encounter moments when our efforts falter, when mountains of doubt, fear, or hardship overshadow us. Jesus’ words invite us to start small and grow our faith.
We don’t need flawless faith, just a mustard seed’s worth, trusting not in our ability but in His limitless supernatural power. Speak to your mountain, plant that seed of belief, and watch God move what seems immovable.
A Call to Renewed Faith
Today, realign your perspective about faith and begin planting those seeds for mountain-moving victory. Know for a certainty that God’s supernatural power and potential is present, even within the smallest amount of faith. Take hold of every promise in His Word while casting off unbelief, and watch His Kingdom grow within you.
OFG Prayer of Faith
Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would forgive my unbelief. Grow in me a faith, small as a mustard seed, that trusts Your power to move mountains. Turn me away from relying on my own strength, and teach me to trust in You above all things.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
